Computer hinge with hollow and partially annular clutch

ABSTRACT

A hinge assembly having a hollow and partially annular clutch is arranged to pivotally couple a portable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portion. The hinge assembly includes at least an elongated, hollow and partially open cylindrical portion that includes a partially annular outer region and a central bore region, the central bore region suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base and lid portions. The hinge assembly also includes a plurality of fastening components that couple the hollow clutch to the base portion and the lid portion of the portable computer, with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the hollow and partially open cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to commonly owned and co-pendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/505,932, filed Jul. 8, 2011by Degner et al., entitled “COMPUTER HINGE WITH HOLLOW AND PARTIALLYANNULAR CLUTCH,” which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to manufacture of portablecomputing devices, and more particularly to the formation of advancedhinge assemblies for coupling major components

BACKGROUND

Portable computing devices having movable parts generally require hingemechanisms that assist the movement of one major component relative toanother. For example, a laptop computer or clamshell type cellulartelephone can be formed of a lower base component that is movablycoupled to an upper display component. The lower base unit or assemblycan typically include items such as a keyboard, touchpad, buttons,speakers, processors, memory, battery and the like, while the upperdisplay unit or assembly can have one or more displays, touch screens,buttons, speakers and so forth. It is often desirable to electricallyconnect various operational components from the lower base to the upperdisplay assembly, and vice-versa.

Typically, the lower base and upper display components in laptops,clamshell phones and the like are coupled together using a hingeassembly. The hinge assembly allows an upper display component to rotateor pivot relative to a lower base component, which may remain in adesired static position. The display housing is typically movable aboutthe hinge assembly between a closed position against the base housingand an open position with the display, keyboard and other input devicesexposed for use. Such hinge assemblies typically have one portion thatis secured to the upper display housing and another portion that issecured to the lower base housing. Portable computer hinges typicallyincorporate spring/friction mechanisms for rotating the display housingand for maintaining it in a static position. With the constant decreasein the size of portable computers and other similar devices, a desire todecrease the size of the hinge assemblies is strong.

Various issues arise when the design of a hinge assembly is decreased,however. For example, a greater outer force can be required to generatea suitable friction force sufficient to maintain the upper displayassembly in an open position. This force increase can result inincreased stress on the hinge assembly as well as any associatedelectrical connectors. In this regard, there remains a need to maintainelectrical connections between the upper display portion and bottom baseportion without unduly jeopardizing the reliability of such wirings orconnections. Further, the ability to provide stronger parts andassemblies that perform a hinging function with fewer overall partswould be beneficial from a manufacturing perspective.

While many designs and techniques used to provide hinge mechanisms forportable computing devices have generally worked well in the past, thereis always a desire to provide improvements in such hinges, particularlywhere such improvements can result in a smaller overall hinge design.Therefore, a smaller yet reliable, rugged, and lower force hingeassembly that facilitates the passage of associated electricalconnectors while using fewer parts for use in a portable computingdevice is desired.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide hinge assembliesfor portable computing devices that are smaller yet still reliable,rugged, and requiring lesser outer forces, and that also facilitate thepassage of associated wires while using fewer overall parts. This can beaccomplished at least in part through the use of a hinge assembly thatincludes a hollow and partially annular clutch allowing for wires topass therethrough, as well as at least one connector that is integrallyformed with the hollow and partially annular clutch.

Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe a hingeassembly arranged to pivotally couple a lower base portion of a portablecomputing device to an upper lid or display portion of the portablecomputing device. A portable computing device can be a laptop computeror a cellular telephone, for example.

In various embodiments, a hinge assembly arranged to pivotally couple aportable computer base portion to a portable computer lid portionincludes an elongated, hollow and partially open clutch, a firstfastening component adapted to couple the hollow clutch to the lidportion of the portable computing device, and a second fasteningcomponent adapted to couple the hollow clutch to the base portion of theportable computing device. The hollow clutch can be partiallycylindrical in nature, and can include a partially annular outer regionand a central bore region surrounded by the partially annular outerregion. The central bore region can be arranged to permit the passage ofand provide support for one or more electrical conductors adapted toelectrically connect the base portion to the lid portion of the portablecomputing device. In addition, at least one of the first and secondfastening components can be integrally formed with the hollow andpartially annular clutch, which results in stronger and fewer partsoverall. The partially annular outer region can have a cross-sectionthat defines a material bearing portion and an open region. In someembodiments, the partially annular outer region can have a thicknessthat varies across the cross-section of the material bearing portion ofthe partially annular outer region.

Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the inventionwill be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and arrangements for thedisclosed inventive computer hinge having a hollow clutch. Thesedrawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be madeto the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates in side elevation view an exemplary portablecomputing device.

FIG. 1B illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary hingemechanism from the portable computing device of FIG. 1A

FIG. 2A illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary hingemechanism having a hollow clutch according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates in side cross-sectional view the exemplary hollowclutch of FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates in partial side cross-sectional view the exemplaryhinge mechanism of FIG. 2A as being installed in a portable computingdevice according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates in partial top perspective view the integratedhollow clutch and connector of the exemplary hinge mechanism of FIG. 3as installed but with the wirings removed according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates in elevated end perspective view the removedexemplary integrated hollow clutch and connector of FIG. 4A with wiringsinstalled according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates in top perspective view an exemplary hollow clutchand friction band combination according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates in front perspective view an exemplary alternativehollow and partially annular clutch and friction band combinationaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates in front perspective view the partially annularexterior component of the clutch of FIG. 6 according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates in side cross-sectional view the partially annularexterior component of FIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of attaching a lidportion to a base portion of a computing device using an integratedhollow clutch and fastener according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according to thepresent invention are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of theinvention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention. Other applications are possible, such that thefollowing examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the presentinvention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detailto enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, it isunderstood that these examples are not limiting; such that otherembodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention relates in various embodiments to a portable computingdevice, such as any of various laptop computers manufactured by AppleInc. of Cupertino, Calif. Although the various embodiments set forth indetail herein are described with respect to laptop computers, it will bereadily appreciated that the various embodiments set forth herein canalso apply to other forms of computing devices having hinged majorcomponents in communication with each other. For example, clamshell typecellular telephones, among other computing and electronic devices, canalso utilize the various hinge assemblies, hollow clutches and detailsof the present invention.

Computing Devices

One example of a portable computing device in the form of a laptopcomputer is shown in side elevation view in FIG. 1A. As shown, laptopcomputer 1 can include an upper lid or display portion 10, and a lowerbase portion 20, which lower base portion can include one or moreprocessors, memories, batteries, power sources, keyboards, buttons,touchpads ports and the like. A hinge mechanism 30 can generally serveto mechanically pivotally couple lid portion 10 to base portion 20.

Continuing with FIG. 1B, an exemplary hinge mechanism from the portablecomputing device of FIG. 1A is illustrated in side cross-sectional view.Hinge mechanism 30 can include an outer clutch barrel 40, an internalclutch 50, and a collection of wires or other electrical connectors 62,which may be enclosed in an outer cover 60 or otherwise bound together,as will be readily appreciated. Such electrical connectors generallyserve to provide power and communications between devices in the lid andbase portions of a portable computing device, such as power and datafrom the base unit to a display device in the lid unit. Communicationsfrom an antenna in the lid portion to a processor in the base portion isanother example of a use for one of electrical connectors 62.

As shown, the grouping of electrical connectors 60 typically shifts froma first position A to a second position B when the lid portion and baseportion of the portable computing device are moved or pivoted withrespect to each other. Although such a movement in the grouping of wiresor electrical connectors 60 is generally well known, such movements aregenerally disadvantageous in that continued movements can cause wear andtear to the wirings 62, or eventual blockage, increased friction orother undue inconvenience with respect to the pivoting hinge mechanismitself as a result of long term extend use.

Hollow and Fully Annular Clutch

Turning next to FIG. 2A, an exemplary hinge mechanism having a hollowclutch according to one embodiment of the present invention is similarlyshown in side cross-sectional view. Similar to above hinge mechanism 30,inventive hinge mechanism 100 can include an outer clutch barrel 140 aswell as an internal clutch 150. Unlike the foregoing hinge mechanism,however, the internal clutch 150 of hinge mechanism 100 is hollow, andallows for the passage of a cluster or collection 160 of electricalconductors 162 through a cavity 152 therethrough. In some embodiments,such an internal hollow clutch 150 can be cylindrical in nature, and canhave an annular outer region and a central bore region surrounded by theannular outer region. Again, the central bore region is adapted topermit the passage of and provide support for one or more electricalconductors adapted to electrically connect a base portion to a lidportion of a portable computing device.

The various advantages for such a hollow clutch component are numerous.The annular clutch can be stiffer and lighter with a larger diameter,since the need for space for electrical conductors outside the clutch iseliminated. In one example, the radius of a cylindrical clutch can beincreased from 4.0 to 4.8 millimeters without changing the size of theclutch barrel, due to the electrical conductors being relocated toinside the hollow clutch. A mechanical stop put on the outside of thelarger diameter clutch then has a lower moment to apply force, whichrequires less force to stop the clutch during rotation, as will bereadily appreciated. A larger diameter clutch also results in moresurface area to help stop movement using a friction band, as will alsobe readily appreciated. In addition, rather than the electrical wires orcables being moved back and forth between to points, such as points Aand B above, rotation of the lid and base components only results inslight twisting of the electrical connectors, which eliminates orsubstantially reduces wear and tear problems in that regard. In oneexample, the hollow clutch material can be steel, although a variety ofdifferent materials can be used, as will be readily appreciated.

Continuing with FIG. 2B, the exemplary hollow clutch of FIG. 2A isillustrated in side cross-sectional view according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. Clutch 150 can be formed of any suitable materialsuch as stainless or alloy steel having outside radius R₁ having anexterior surface area S_(A) per unit length defined as equation 1 as:

S_(A)=2πR₁.   Eq (1)

Clutch 150 can include interior region 152 having inside radius Rdefining interior volume S_(VOL) per unit length as defined as equation(2):

S_(VOL)=πR².   Eq (2)

In the described embodiment, inside radius R can vary to providesufficient space to accommodate cable bundle 160. As noted above, cablebundle 160 can include a plurality of electrical connectors, wires orcables arranged to electrically connect electrical components in anupper lid portion, such as a display assembly, and base portion or unitpivotably connected to each other by way of clutch 150. In this way,both power and data can be passed between the display assembly and baseunit.

Isolating cable bundle 160 within the interior volume 152 of clutch 150helps to reduce cable sliding and reduces the probability of cablessnagging. In this way, the reduced snagging provides for greater longterm reliability. Moreover, the shape integrity of cable bundle 160 isimproved as is the ability to prove out a design is improved since it isno longer necessary to require an entire system to demonstrate that thecables within cable bundle 160 work according to specification. In orderto provide restraining force F_(res) sufficient to maintain the displayassembly in the open position relative to the base unit, a friction band170 can be placed in direct contact with the exterior surface S_(A) ofclutch 150 at an outer friction surface. Therefore, restraining forceF_(res) per unit length can be directly related to outside radius R₁

Therefore, in addition to providing a secure inner repository for cablebundle 160, due to the increase in outside radius, the friction forcecreated can be also be increased due at least in part to the increase inouter surface area, as well as the increase in moment arm due to thegreater value of the outside radius R1. In this way, hollow clutch 150can be stiffer and lighter. Moreover, an end stop 154 can be placed onan outside surface S_(A) of the clutch 150. Due to the larger radius R1of the clutch, a lower moment is required to be applied to generate agiven force to stop movement of the display or upper assembly, such asby a corresponding stop (not shown) outside the hollow clutch that actsagainst clutch end stop 154 where the amount of rotation between lid andbase portions is desired to end, as will be readily understood.

Moving next to FIG. 3, the exemplary hinge mechanism of FIG. 2A isdepicted in partial side cross-sectional view as being installed in aportable computing device according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. Portable computing device 200 can be, for example, a laptopcomputer having an upper or lid portion 210 and a lower or base portion220, only portions of which are shown here for purposes of illustrationand focus. A hinge mechanism used to pivotally couple the lid and baseportions can include a clutch barrel 240, a hollow clutch 250 and atleast one fastening component 280, which can be used to couple thehollow clutch to the base portion 220 of the portable computing device200. A plurality of cables or electrical connectors 260 can pass throughthe hollow portion of clutch 250, and travel to respective connectionsat the base portion 220 out of one end of the hollow portion, and alsotravel to respective connections at the lid portion 210 (not shown) outof the other end of the hollow portion.

Fastening component 280 can include a portion 282 that surrounds all orpart of the outer circumference of hollow clutch 250 at at least onelocation, and also another portion 284 having one or more holes 286therethrough to allow for fastening to the base portion 220 of theportable computing device. One or more fasteners 290 can be used throughthe one or more holes 286 in fastening component 280 to fasten the baseportion 220 to the hollow clutch 250. Such fasteners 290 can be, forexample, screws, bolts, nails, pins, rivets or any other suitablefastening device, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in theart.

Continuing with FIG. 4A, the integrated hollow clutch and connector ofthe exemplary hinge mechanism of FIG. 3 as shown as installed again, butwith the wirings removed and in partial top perspective view. Again,portable computing device 200 can include a base portion 220 (partiallyshown in cutaway view) that is pivotally coupled to a top or lid portion(not shown) by way of a hinge mechanism having a hollow clutch 250. Thishollow clutch 250 can have a first region 256 having an annular outercomponent and a central bore component surrounded by the annular outercomponent, wherein the central bore component is adapted to permit thepassage of and provide support for one or more electrical conductorsadapted to electrically connect the base and lid portions, as describedabove. Such a first region 256 can be cylindrical, for example.

In addition, the hollow clutch 250 can also include a second region 258having a fastening component adapted to couple the hollow clutch to thelid portion or the base portion of the portable computing device. Such asecond region 258 can be flat and have one or more holes 259 through it,for example. Preferably, the first hollow region 256 and the secondregion having a fastening component 258 are integrally formed as asingle part, which again can be formed of any suitable material, such asstainless or alloy steel. The one or more holes 259 are adapted topermit one or more fasteners (not shown) to pass therethrough, whichthen results in the fastening of the hollow clutch and connector 250 tothe lid portion of the computing device.

Similar to the foregoing, such fasteners can be, for example, screws,bolts, nails, pins, rivets or any other suitable fastening device, aswill be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Also, it willbe readily appreciated that although the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.3 and 4A show separate fastening component 280 as coupling the clutchportion 256 to the base portion 220 and the integrated fasteningcomponent 258 as coupling the clutch portion to the lid portion 210 ofthe portable computing device, such an arrangement can be readilyreversed. That is, the integrated clutch and fastening component 250 caninstead be directly fastened to the base portion, while the separatefastening component 280 can couple the hollow clutch portion 256 to thelid portion of the computing device.

FIG. 4B illustrates in elevated end perspective view the removedexemplary integrated hollow clutch and connector of FIG. 4A with wiringsinstalled according to one embodiment of the present invention. As seenfrom this different perspective, integrated hollow clutch and fasteningcomponent 250 again includes a hollow and cylindrical first region 256that supports and allows various cables or electrical connectors 260 topass therethrough, as well as a fastening component second region 258having one or more holes 259 therethrough. Again, this second region 258is adapted to facilitate the direct fastening of the hollow clutch toone of a lid or base portion of an associated computing device. Alsoshown is the separate fastening component 280 that couples theintegrated hollow clutch and fastening component 250 to the other of thelid and base portions.

Continuing with FIG. 5, an exemplary hollow clutch and friction bandcombination according to one embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in top perspective view. Hollow clutch and friction bandcombination 201 can be identical or substantially similar in many or allregards to that which is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In particular,integrated hollow clutch and connector 250 can include a first region orshaft 256 having an internal cavity 252 and a second region orintegrated mount 258 having one or more holes 259. An integrated stop254 can also be formed on an outer surface of the shaft portion 256.

In addition, an integrated friction band and fastening component 270 canserve both to provide friction against shaft 256 during componentrotation, and also to fasten or mount the friction band to therespective base or lid portion of the computing device. In such anarrangement where the friction band doubles as a mount or fasteningcomponent, then friction band 270 effectively serves as the fasteningcomponent 280 above. As such, integrated mount portion 278 is theequivalent of portion 284 above, while holes 286 and 279 are effectivelythe same. Also, an integrated stop 274 on friction band and integratedmount 270 can be strategically formed and positioned to interact withopposing integrated stop 254 on hollow clutch and connector 250, suchthat relative rotation between these parts is stopped at a particularangle or location.

Numerous advantages arise through the use of such an integrated hollowclutch and fastening component as a single part. Again, the hollowclutch portion can be stiffer and lighter with a larger diameter, sincethe need for space for electrical conductors outside the clutch iseliminated. A mechanical stop put on the outside of the larger diameterclutch then has a lower moment to apply force, which requires less forceto stop the clutch during rotation, such that the mechanical stop can besmaller yet stronger and more reliable. A larger diameter clutch alsoresults in more surface area to help stop movement using a frictionband, as will also be readily appreciated. Reduction in movement to thecables or electrical connectors is also an advantage. Furthermore, theintegration of at least one fastening component with the hollow clutchcomponent, such as components 256 and 258 in single part 250, results ina lower part count, smaller part size and greater strength for theoverall hinge mechanism, all of which result in greater ease inmanufacturing.

Even further advantages can be realized through the use of such a hollowclutch design. For example, in addition to the cables or electricalconnectors, the hollow clutch can also readily facilitate the use of athermal conduit or heat exchanger running therethrough. Such a heatexchanging component can be adapted to sink heat at one or morelocations at the base portion, and conduct this heat through the hollowclutch and into the upper or lid portion, where the heat can then bedispersed. In the event that heat in the lid portion is the greaterproblem, then the reverse can be true for such a thermal conduit throughthe hollow clutch.

Yet another application for the hollow portion of the clutch can be as areservoir for grease, oil or any other suitable lubricant. As will bereadily appreciated, it may be desirable to facilitate the lubricationof various frictionally contacting parts within the hinge mechanism. Tothe extent that an ongoing ready supply of lubricant can be locatedwithin the hinge mechanism itself, a suitable design can increase thelifespan of such frictionally contacting parts, or at least extend thelengths of time that are required between parts servicing. Such alubricant can be contained within the hollow clutch region, with one ormore caps, seals and/or strategically places and sized openings, suchthat a desired amount of grease, oil or other suitable lubricant is madeavailable as it may be desirable for part lubrication.

Formation of friction band and fastening component 270 can befacilitated a number of ways. For example, sheet metal bands cangenerally be wrapped around a hollow shaft in one embodiment. As anotherpossibility, a plurality of metal sheets can be stamped in certainpatterns, with the resulting stamped portions then being stacked andcombined together to form the finished component. Sheet metal having athickness of about 0.4 mm, for example, can be used for this purpose. Asa particular non-limiting example, the thicknesses of integrated mountportion 278, integrated stop 274 and the entire annular portion ofcomponent 270 can be about 1.0 mm, although other dimensions are alsocertainly possible.

Advantages of these techniques can include part tolerances that are wellheld, and also utilizing straightforward processes using standard offthe shelf materials. In using these types of formation techniques,however, the hollow annular outer shaft portion of component 270 tendsto be closed off, and the outer wall thickness is typically constant andsymmetric in nature. This can result in limits as to where the hollowclutch can be located, as well as requirements to add material whereneeded for greater part strengths, such as to facilitate attachment toother parts or items. Weakness or failure in integrated stop 274 canalso arise if the sheet metal used to form the component is too thin.

Hollow and Partially Annular Clutch

Turning now to FIG. 6, an exemplary alternative hollow and partiallyannular clutch and friction band combination according to one embodimentof the present invention is illustrated in front perspective view.Hollow and partially annular clutch 300 can be similar in many regardsto hollow clutch and friction band combination 201 illustrated in FIG.5. In particular, integrated hollow clutch and connector 350 can includea first component or shaft 356 having an internal cavity and a secondcomponent or integrated mount having one or more holes. An integratedstop can also be formed on an outer surface of the shaft portion (notshown).

Partially annular exterior component 370 can be similar in function tofriction band and fastening component 270 from the above embodiment,albeit with several significant differences. Similar to the foregoingembodiments, partially annular exterior component 370 can include anexterior portion that substantially surrounds shaft 356 of hollow clutch350, as well as an integrated mount portion 378 that can be flat andinclude one or more holes 379 for mounting therethrough. Also, anintegrated stop 374 can be strategically formed and positioned tointeract with the opposing integrated stop on hollow clutch 350, suchthat relative rotation between these parts is stopped at a particularangle or location.

Unlike the foregoing embodiments, however, partially annular exteriorcomponent 370 can have a significant gap 390 around the outercircumference of its partially annular and elongated portion. Gap 390can be positioned opposite mount portion 378, such that the overallclutch 300 can be advantageously positioned closer to an internal wallor other tight region within the overall computing device. Further, thewall thickness of the partially annular outer component surroundingshaft 356 can be asymmetric, such that more material is provided wheregreater strengths are needed along the various portions of component370. For example, the amount of material for integrated stop 374 can beincreased simply by way of increasing the thickness of the partiallyannular exterior component 370 itself at the integrated stop location.As noted above, such an increase in part material thickness isordinarily difficult where this component is formed using a wrapped orstamped sheet metal formation process.

Continuing with FIGS. 7A and 7B, the partially annular exteriorcomponent of the clutch of FIG. 6 is illustrated in front perspectiveand side cross-sectional views respectively. Again, partially annularexterior component 370 can include a partially open cylindrical regionor internal cavity 352 that is designed to accommodate the shaft of thehollow clutch therewithin. The partially annular or partially opencylindrical aspect is due to the presence of gap 390 that breaks up thecontinuity of this outer annular component at one location, preferablyopposite or offset from integrated mount portion 378. In effect, thepartially annular outer region of component 370 has a cross-section thatdefines material bearing portions 391, 392 and an open region 390.

As can be seen in FIG. 7B, the thickness of the partially annular regionof component 370 can vary, from nothing at gap 390, to thin at region391 near the gap, to thick at region 392 near the integrated mountportion 378. Variances in thickness along this partially annular regioncan be specifically designed as desired to account for any issue orfeature where added strength or more space may be desired. For example,where less strength is needed and more space is desirable, such as atregion 391, then the material thickness can be deliberately thin.Conversely, where greater strength is needed and space is not as much ofan issue, such as at integrated stop 374 or where the annular portionintegrates with mount portion 378 at region 392, then the material canbe deliberately thicker. Other thicknesses and features may also bebuilt in to the varying thickness across the partially annular portion,as may be desired.

Integrated mount portion 378 can be flat, relatively thick, and caninclude a number of holes 379 therethrough to facilitate mounting of theclutch 300 to another device component, such as an outer housing for abase or lid of a laptop computer, for example. Integrated stop 374 canbe formed at a thicker region of partially annular exterior component370, such that greater strengths and less failure can be observed bythis item. In addition, the thickness of integrated mount portion 378can be increased, such that this portion of component 370 has greaterstrength and stability where it is mounted to the rest of the overalldevice. Further, although only two holes 379 through integrated mountportion 378 are shown, it will be readily appreciated that more or fewerholes may also be used.

Formation of partially annular exterior component 370 can be facilitateda number of ways. For example, a cold drawing extrusion process can beused to draw material longitudinally according to the specificcross-section desired. As another possibility, casting or metalinjection molding can be used to form component 370. Under either ofthese formation approaches, secondary machining or finishing steps maybe used to form the final component, particularly where the internaldiameter of the partially annular region must be very precise. As aparticular non-limiting example, the thicknesses of integrated mountportion 378, integrated stop 374 and region 392 can be about 1.5 mm,while the thickness of region 391 can be about one-third of that of thethicker regions (i.e., 0.5 mm), although other dimensions are alsocertainly possible.

Various advantages can be realized by way of forming and using such apartially annular exterior region having an asymmetrical thickness. Forexample, the need to add extra material to a sheet metal formedcylindrical region to facilitate attachment to other parts can beeliminated. In addition, an asymmetric thickness distribution of wallsection allows for an opening or gap 390 and thin region 391, whichallows the overall clutch to be positioned closer to an internal wall ofthe overall device. The asymmetric wall thicknesses also provides morethickness and thus strength where it is particularly needed, such as atthe integrated stop 374 and near the integrated mount portion 378. Stillfurther, an asymmetric wall thickness distribution results inoperational pressures and frictional forces that are more evenlydistributed across the entire internal surface of the partially annularregion against the shaft contained therein, which more evenlydistributes wear and increases longevity of the respective components.

Methods

Lastly, FIG. 8 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of attachinga lid portion to a base portion of a computing device using anintegrated hollow clutch and fastener according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. It will be understood that the provided steps areshown only for purposes of illustration, and that many other ordifferent steps may be included in the process, as may be desired.Furthermore, the order of steps may be changed where appropriate and notall steps need be performed in various instances. For example, stepssuch as steps 404 and 406 may be reversed, while step 412 may be atleast partially performed at any point in the process. Other differencesmay also be possible, and it will be readily appreciated that thedescribed steps and order are not limiting in any way.

After a start step 400, an initial process step 402 involves selecting alid portion and a base portion to be coupled together to form a singlecomputing device, such as a laptop computer, for example. At subsequentprocess step 404, a single part integrated hollow clutch and fasteningcomponent is fastened to the lid portion. Again, the integrated clutchand fastening component could alternatively be fastened to the baseportion instead, such as where a separate fastening component is to befastened to the lid portion instead, as noted above.

At the next process step 406, a separate fastening component is slidover or otherwise coupled to the outer surface of the hollow clutchcomponent, after which the separate fastener is fastened to the base orbottom portion of the computing device at step 408. At step 410, one ormore cables or electrical connectors are fed through the hollow clutchportion, with one end of the connectors intended for the lid portion andthe other end of the connectors intended for the base portion. Atfollowing process step 412, the cables or electrical connectors are thenconnected to their respective connections at the base and lid portionsof the computing device. At the least, such connections are preferablycompleted at step 412, such as where initial connections may be madeearlier in the process, after which the method then ends at end step414.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, itwill be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied innumerous other specific variations and embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certainchanges and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood thatthe invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but ratheris to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A hinge assembly arranged to pivotally couple a portable computerbase portion to a portable computer lid portion, comprising: anelongated, hollow and partially open clutch having a partially annularouter component and a central bore region internal to the partiallyannular outer component, wherein the central bore region is adapted topermit the passage of and provide support for one or more electricalconductors adapted to electrically connect a base portion to a lidportion of a portable computing device; a first fastening componentadapted to couple the hollow and partially open clutch to the lidportion of the portable computing device; and a second fasteningcomponent adapted to couple the hollow clutch to the base portion of theportable computing device, wherein at least one of the first fasteningcomponent and the second fastening component is integrally formed withthe hollow and partially open clutch as a single part.
 2. The hingeassembly of claim 1, wherein the partially annular outer component has across-section that defines a material bearing portion and an openregion.
 3. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the partially annularouter component has a thickness that varies across the cross-section ofits material bearing portion.
 4. The hinge assembly of claim 3, whereinthe partially annular outer component thickness varies asymmetrically.5. The hinge assembly of claim 3, wherein the partially annular outercomponent thickness varies from a maximum thickness to a minimumthickness that is about one-third of the maximum thickness.
 6. The hingeassembly of claim 2, wherein the open region of the partially annularouter component and the integrally formed fastening component aresituated on opposite sides of the central bore region.
 7. The hingeassembly of claim 1, wherein said portable computing device is a laptopcomputer.
 8. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein said integrallyformed fastening component includes a flattened surface having one ormore holes extending therethrough, said one or more holes being adaptedto accept one or more fasteners that fasten said integrally formedfastening component and hollow and partially open clutch to said lidportion or base portion of the portable computing device.
 9. A portablecomputing device, comprising: a base portion having a plurality ofcomponents including at least a processor and one or more user inputdevices; a lid portion having a display in communication with one ormore of the plurality of components in said base portion; one or moreelectrical conductors that electrically connect the base portion to thelid portion; and a hinge assembly that pivotally couples said baseportion to said lid portion, the hinge assembly having: an elongated,hollow and partially open clutch having a partially annular outercomponent and a central bore region internal to the partially annularouter component, wherein the central bore region is adapted to permitthe passage of and provide support for one or more electrical conductorsadapted to electrically connect a base portion to a lid portion of aportable computing device, a first fastening component adapted to couplethe hollow and partially open clutch to the lid portion of the portablecomputing device, and a second fastening component adapted to couple thehollow clutch to the base portion of the portable computing device,wherein at least one of the first fastening component and the secondfastening component is integrally formed with the hollow and partiallyopen clutch as a single part.
 10. The portable computing device of claim9, wherein said portable computing device is a laptop computer.
 11. Theportable computing device of claim 9, wherein the partially annularouter component has a cross-section that defines a material bearingportion and an open region.
 12. The portable computing device of claim11, wherein the partially annular outer component has a thickness thatvaries across the cross-section of its material bearing portion.
 13. Theportable computing device of claim 12, wherein the partially annularouter component thickness varies asymmetrically.
 14. The portablecomputing device of claim 12, wherein the partially annular outercomponent thickness varies from a maximum thickness to a minimumthickness that is about one-third of the maximum thickness.
 15. Theportable computing device of claim 9, wherein said integrally formedfastening component includes a flattened surface having one or moreholes extending therethrough, said one or more holes being adapted toaccept one or more fasteners that fasten said integrally formedfastening component and hollow and partially open clutch to said lidportion or base portion of the portable computing device.
 16. A methodof attaching a lid portion to a base portion of a computing device,comprising: selecting a lid portion and a base portion to be combined toform a finished single computing device; fastening a hollow andpartially open clutch to one of the lid portion or the base portion ofthe computing device, wherein said hollow and partially open clutchincludes a partially annular outer component, a central bore regioninternal to the partially annular outer component, and a fasteningcomponent integrally formed with the partially annular outer component;positioning a separate fastener over the hollow and partially annularouter component of the hollow clutch; and fastening the separatefastener to the other of said one of the lid portion or the base portionof the computing device.
 17. The method of claim 16, further includingthe steps of: feeding one or more electrical connectors through thecentral bore region of the hollow and partially open clutch; andconnecting said one or more electrical connectors to respectiveconnections at both of the lid portion and the base portion of thecomputing device.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the partiallyannular outer component has a cross-section that defines a materialbearing portion and an open region.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinthe open region of the partially annular outer component and theintegrally formed fastening component are situated on opposite sides ofthe central bore region.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein saidfinished single computing device is a laptop computer.